Norma Carey has been working in the town of Glastonbury's Human Services Department for 15 years as the assistant program coordinator at the Glastonbury Senior Center.

As a child, Carey had a rheumatic heart condition, and was in the hospital for months. An elderly woman – a stranger – sent her cards every day until she recovered.

That kindness stuck with Carey and helped guide her, she believes, toward her current role serving senior citizens.

"I always wanted to give back to my community, or be able to give back for what I was given in life," Carey said, adding that it took her a while to find out how exactly that would take shape.

She had gone back to school in an occupational therapy program, but then later found that there weren't many positions available. She started working in activities positions, until the job in Glastonbury came along.

"I'm just so happy and glad – and blessed – to be here," she said.

The seniors, which she considers as equals and treats as such, are what make her job seem like it isn't a job at all.

"They have so much to give, and they know so much," she said. "I can look at them and talk to them, and not see their age. I was always taught to respect and listen to older people."

Carey may often appear to be taking part in events at the Glastonbury Senior Center, as opposed to organizing them, but that's her way of making the seniors feel comfortable, and making sure they are enjoying the programs as much as possible.

She said that on one occasion she saw a wheelchair-bound man who was a big music aficionado sitting and watching others dance. "So, I danced him around in his wheelchair," she said. "I want everyone to be a part of what's going on."

Carey said she likes seeing positive effects on people. She has also become the go-to person for seniors with computer and tablet questions, and often helps people set up applications or programs. She said she doesn't mind spending a few extra minutes helping them get onto Facebook or setting up Skype.

Carey said that coming to work, for her, doesn't feel like a job. "It's a pleasure to come to work," she said. "It's nice to know that when I come to work, I'm doing something to make their days brighter, but it actually works in reverse. They make my day brighter."

She added that Glastonbury is a good town to work for, and that her work is simply in her heart and soul.